Winter Storm Warning – This morning to noon

Heavy snow is expected to spread across northern Illinois early this evening, then continue into Friday. The heaviest snow is forecast to fall within a narrow band north of I-80 tonight, then shift southward to areas along and near I-80 Friday morning. Within this heavy snow band, snowfall rates of 1-2” per hour are expected. Travel tonight into Friday will likely be very difficult to impossible at times. Avoid any unnecessary travel during this time. If travel is required, use extreme caution and ensure that you are carrying emergency supplies in case you become stranded.

As expected, the hoarders have wreaked havoc with the local grocery stores. Checkout lines a mile long have been reported. We sense some exaggeration here, but we are rolling with it.

Due to the impending snow, we are seeing increased CLC (Checkout Line Congestion) throughout the Chicago Area and Region. There have been increased numbers of HHHH (Hostess Ho Ho Hoarders) seen converging on grocery stores.

CLC and HHHH Safety Tips Remember the safety rules, no eye contact and keep all sweets and potato chips in a hard to reach place in your shopping basket. If they strike up a conversation while in line, just agree with everything by smiling and nodding your head occasionally . At all cost avoid politics! Be safe!

Saturday into Sunday snow looks to start in the very early hours Saturday and end around noon Sunday. Highest snowfall total at this time will be 3 to 4” from Chicago southwest to Mendota.

The lack of snow over northern IL thus far this winter has been noteworthy, but that could be about to change. A parade of storm systems over the Pacific will ride the jet stream into the northern and eastern U.S. this weekend into next week. These systems will be fast on each other’s heels, with only about a 24 to 36 hour break in between systems. It is too soon to say how many of these systems will directly impact northern IL and northwest IN, but there does appear to be multiple opportunities for snow this weekend through next week.

Friday

Snow, mainly before noon. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 28. North northeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Friday Night

Snow, mainly after 3am. Low around 16. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Saturday

Snow likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 23. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday Night

Snow likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 16. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday

Snow likely before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Chance of precipitation is 60%.